March 15, 2026 — Washington — CEOs from at least 10 major U.S. airlines and aviation companies, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines, sent a joint letter to congressional leaders urging an immediate end to the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), citing severe TSA staffing shortages, hours-long security lines and flight disruptions at major airports ahead of peak spring travel.
The executives warned of an “unacceptable risk” from increased TSA officer absenteeism and resignations, with over 300 agents quitting since the shutdown began on February 14. They highlighted expectations of 171 million passengers during spring break, a 4% increase from last year, amid lines stretching into terminals and parking garages at hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Houston Hobby (HOU), Austin (AUS) and Philadelphia (PHL).
Details of the Joint Letter
The letter, signed by leaders from cargo carriers like UPS, FedEx and Atlas Air as well, called for Congress to fund DHS and pass legislation guaranteeing pay for TSA officers and air traffic controllers during shutdowns, including the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act and Keep America Flying Act.
“Once again, air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown.”
“Americans — who live in your districts and home states — are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown.”
The CEOs described the situation as “simply unacceptable,” noting TSA’s roughly 50,000 officers are working without pay, facing financial hardship that prompts resignations and job searches.
Airport Disruptions and Traveler Impacts
Reports detailed 3-4 hour security waits, with lines backing up into sidewalks and garages, leading to widespread delays and cancellations. Travelers missing flights due to lines may not receive refunds, according to coverage. TSA videos attributed the delays to the shutdown, now in its 29th day as of March 16.
Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported executives emphasizing risks during busy travel periods, including upcoming events like FIFA’s World Cup 2026.
Shutdown Context
The partial shutdown stems from disputes over DHS funding, particularly immigration enforcement, with Democrats opposing tactics amid recent incidents. TSA workers receive back pay upon resolution, but current delays mark the third such lapse in under a year. AP News noted:
“It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.”
Social media echoed the urgency, with posts calling the unpaid work “simply unacceptable” and others highlighting daily impacts like hundreds of missed flights.
